Saturday, July 11, 2009
In early June the city of St. Joseph voted to accept $475,429 in Community Development Block Grant money as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - also known as the stimulus.
Now the city must sift through $1.7 million in proposals and decide who gets money and who doesn't. The group will decide based on how many jobs will be created; how much private investment is involved; whether the project impacts those most affected by the recession; and other factors.
Here are the 15 proposals submitted to City Hall for consideration in order of the date they were received:
1. Jumbo Fox Inc.
Description: Provide digital education curriculums for Intel
Contact: Winston Bennett
Jobs: 0 construction, 11-150 permanent
Funding: $200,000 requested for $8.2 million project
2. Generationally Correct Media
Description: The creation of relevant media and its distribution to senior citizens
Contact: Erin Eddins
Jobs: 0 construction, 5-9 permanent
Funding: $75,000 requested for $400,000 project
3. TCS Staff Retention & Expansion
Description: Retain 2 and create 2 new jobs in field of information technology (IT)
Contact: Tim Conard
Jobs: 0 construction, 2 permanent
Funding: $112,000 requested for $125,440 project
4. Bullock Family Chapel
Description: Site upgrade to interior and exterior
Contact: Betty Bullock
Jobs: 4 construction, 1 permanent
Funding: $34,000 requested for $49,000 project
5. 501 S. Sixth St. renovation
Description: Rehabilitate building at 501 S. Sixth St.
Contact: David Summers
Jobs: 8 construction, 7 permanent
Funding: $27,300 requested for $54,850 project
6. Hammerjacks Grille and Badmoon Rising
Description: Addition of full kitchen and additional bar downstairs
Contact: Chad Vann
Jobs: 30-40 construction, 25 permanent
Funding: $35,000 requested for $75,000 project
7. Beauty and Barber Shop revitalization
Description: Upgrade shop, handicap accessibility, additional booth space, upgrade electrical
Contact: Deborah Weston
Jobs: 6 construction, 8 permanent
Funding: $14,500 requested for $14,500 project
8. Three retail space development
Description: Finish three retail units in order to attract turn-key entrepreneurs
Contact: Olin Cox
Jobs: 4 construction, 6-15 permanent
Funding: $93,500 requested for $187,000 project
9. Better Mental Health for a Better Tomorrow
Description: Provide mental health services to a growing segment of population impacted by job loss or reduced income
Contact: Charles Salanski
Jobs: No information provided
Funding: $50,000 requested for $120,000 project
10. Missouri Valley Trust and Boder Building
Description: Improve Downtown's infrastructure through preserving two buildings
Contact: Terry Oldham
Jobs: 4 construction, 20 permanent
Funding: $183,000 requested for $204,000 project
11. Foster's Martini Bar Expansion Project
Description: The expansion and remodeling of space at 722 Felix St.
Contact: Kim Jennings/Nathan Karr
Jobs: 4 construction, 9 permanent
Funding: $25,000 requested for $50,191 project
12. River Run
Description: Improve old casino docking are and trail head to riverfront trail
Contact: Bob Dempster
Jobs: 15 construction, 40 permanent
Funding: $375,000 for $500,000 project
13. Renovate Eshelman Building
Description: Renovate building to 1960s appearance
Contact: Kirby Brooner
Jobs: 40-50 construction, 59 permanent
Funding: $275,000 requested for $1.3 million project
14. Em Chamas Brazilian Grill
Description: Open high-energy Brazilian steakhouse and lounge with banquet facilities
Contact: Sam Silvio
Jobs: 10 construction, 15-20 permanent
Funding: $100,000 requested for $226,491 project
15. Snake Bite Club
Description: 1,200 sq. ft. roof deck expansion to expand club capacity to 300
Contact: Tom Mangos
Jobs: 10 construction, 6 permanent
Funding: $100,249 requested for $246,320 project
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zoomama says...
Most of these have nothing to do with economic stimulus and MUST follow guidelines set. MORE JOBS, not renovation of bars, restaurants, beauty shops...come on, get serious. I see only three - #1, 9 and 13 that would have any long lasting effect. Much intense thought as to the improvement of our entire city, not inclusive to downtown only, with more jobs must be foremost.
July 11, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
238er says...
Where do these guys come up with their job numbers. Most look like they are made up.
July 11, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
that brazilian steakhouse sound pretty delicious. YUM.
July 11, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mm1967 says...
I do not think that the stimulus bill that was passed that we got this money from is to renovate bars and food establishments.By the way mostly downtown where nobody goes anymore, this area has been dead for 25 plus years.I agree with zoomama 1,9,13 seam to have long lasting effect(jobs). But this money surely is for the whole community and maybe before they make their decisions they need to advertise that they have this money and for people to submit their projects or is this onesided as well with all of the focus on downtown?
July 11, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )